Card, bonding jig, and card reader-writer

ABSTRACT

Display functions are added freely to a card a with high printing quality by bonding a rewrite tape 7 onto a specified position of the card 1, i.e., at a position where the rewrite tape 7 is bonded onto a back area of a face of the card on which an IC card contact 3 is provided, and avoiding a back area 3&#39; corresponding to the IC contact 3, an area 2 of magnetic stripes or back area 2&#39; corresponding to the area 2, and a back area 4&#39; corresponding to embossment 4.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a card, a jig, and a card reader-writer. Thecard is characterized by specifying an area for bonding heat reversiblerecording medium, particularly a band-shaped heat reversible recordingmedium (hereafter referred to as "Rewrite Tape") where it is possible torepeatedly write information. The jig is supplied to bond a rewrite tapeon the card. The card reader-writer is suitable to read and write theelectronic information to semiconductor devices such as IC, memory,etc., in the card, and to write and erase the information in rewritetapes.

BACKGROUND TECHNOLOGY

Cards having a display using a heat reversible recording material areknown where it is possible to repeatedly write the information. Such acard is referred to as "Rewrite Card". Usually, a rewrite layer isformed on a base material consisting of polyethylene, aluminum, etc.After a protecting layer is formed on the rewrite layer, the prescribeddesign will be printed in an area (hereafter referred to as"Non-Display") from which the display is removed. The card is made inthe above method.

Such cards have a gap of several microns or so between a non-displaysection where the prescribed design is printed and a display sectionwhere the design is not printed. That is, the display is more concavethan the non-display. For this reason, the contact of the thermal headis incomplete in the vicinity of the boundary (hereafter referred to as"Edge") between the two sections. As a result, a problem occurs in thata heat gradient is generated when information is written or erased inthe display. That is, there was a problem in that the printing qualityof the edge is low while the printing quality of the display is high inthe vicinity of the center.

Also, when such cards reach the limits of the frequency in use of theirdisplays, it is necessary to replace the cards themselves with new ones.Accordingly, the replacement poses a problem in that the economic burdenbecomes heavy.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The first invention is a card where a band-shaped heat reversiblerecording medium is attached to the specified bonding position, and ischaracterized by a bonding position on the back of the face where acontact for semiconductor devices is provided, i.e., is in a positionaway from an area corresponding to this contact, a magnetic stripe areaor a back area corresponding to this magnetic stripe area, and a backarea corresponding to an embossment.

In the first invention, a band-shaped heat reversible recording mediumis attached to the bonding position of a card and the display is convexfrom the surface of the card. Therefore, it is possible to better thecontact between the display and the thermal head of the cardreader-writer, particularly when the card is convex at the specifiedheight even if the card is deformed, it will be possible to do so. Also,a flat face is selected by specifying the above bonding position.Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a gap from being formed betweenthe display and the thermal head. In addition, display functions can beadded freely in cards without any change of these cards which arepresently in widespread use.

The second invention is characterized in that the bonding position ofheat reversible recording media abuts the back area corresponding to thecontact for semiconductor devices and extends along the longitudinaldirection of the card in the card of the first invention.

In the second invention, it is possible to reduce the difference betweenthe bias quantity of the contact for semiconductor devices of cards andthat of band-shaped heat reversible recording media by furtherspecifying the bonding position of these media.

The third invention is characterized by the heat reversible recordingmedium having a heat reversible recording layer on an upper layer of abase material and an adherent bonding layer on a lower layer of the basematerial in the card of the first invention, and wherein the heatreversible recording medium is attached to the flat bonding face of thecard so that this medium is convex.

In the third invention, it is possible to better the contact between theband-shaped heat reversible recording medium and the thermal head byattaching this medium to the flat bonding face of the card so that themedium is convex. Also, when the information is erased or printed in thecard, it is possible to prevent the heat from being lost from the edge.Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat gradient from occurring.The medium can be torn readily from the flat bonding face of the card,because this medium is convex on the card.

The fourth invention is characterized by a heat reversible recordingmedium that is elastic in the card of the first invention.

In the fourth invention, the band-shaped heat reversible recordingmedium possesses a damping function, because it is elastic. Accordingly,it is possible to prevent the card and the thermal head from beingunbalanced by the warp, torsion, etc., of the card.

The fifth invention is a jig for bonding the heat reversible recordingmedium on the card, and is characterized by a jig having first andsecond plates which is fixed in a state where the plates are matchedwith each other so that the pressing means of the second plate isinside. In the case of the first plate, a notch is provided inaccordance with the position for bonding this medium on the card. Also,the second plate has the pressing means for crimping the medium.

In the fifth invention, the card is put between the first and the secondplates in a state where the bonding face of the card is upward, and theband-shaped heat reversible recording medium is applied to the cardalong the notch. Therefore, the medium can be fixed temporarily at thespecified position of the card. Also, after the temporary fixation, thecard is pulled out between the first and the second plates, and the cardis put between them in a state where the bonding face of the card isdownward. Accordingly, the above medium can be bonded firmly to the cardin a state where its surface is flat, because the pressing means rubsagainst this medium.

The sixth invention is a jig for bonding the heat reversible recordingmedium on the card, and is characterized by, that a jig having a firstplate formed integrally, and a notch is provided in accordance with theposition for bonding this medium on the card, and a second platepressing means for crimping the medium, wherein the first and secondplates are fixed in a state where they are folded so that the pressingmeans of the second plate is inside.

The sixth invention offers such bonding jig which can be manufacturedsimply with a small number of parts at a low cost, and the sixthinvention offers such bonding jigs.

The seventh invention is characterized by pressing means being a rollerin the jig for bonding the heat reversible recording medium on the cardmentioned in the fifth or the sixth invention.

In the seventh invention, it is possible to lower the frictionalresistance between the pressing means and the card and is possible toprevent the card from being damaged.

The eighth invention is characterized in that the pressing means is anoverhang formed integrally together with the second plate in the jig forbonding the heat reversible recording medium on the card mentioned inthe fifth or the sixth invention.

The eighth invention offers such bonding jigs which can be manufacturedsimply with a small number of parts at a low cost.

The ninth invention is characterized in that the card is put between thefirst and the second plates in a state where intensive pressure isapplied to the card in the jig for bonding the heat reversible recordingmedium on the card mentioned in the fifth or the sixth invention.

In the ninth invention, the band-shaped heat reversible recording mediumcan be bonded firmly to the card in a state where its surface is flat byapplying intensive pressure to this medium.

The tenth invention is a card reader-writer having a terminal and athermal head. The terminal contacts with a contact for semiconductordevices, and the thermal head writes or erases the information in heatreversible recording media. The card reader-writer is disposed in orderof the aforementioned terminal and the aforementioned thermal head fromthe card inserting direction and is disposed in the longitudinaldirection for the card carrying face and on the identical extensionalong the card carrying direction.

In the tenth invention, the card reader-writer can read and write theelectronic information recorded in semiconductor devices during areciprocation of a card having a display at the identical extension ofthe back area corresponding to the contact for these semiconductordevices, can erase the information from the display, can print newinformation, and can check to see whether or not the information printedon the display and the electronic information recorded in thesemiconductor devices accord with each other. Accordingly, it ispossible to offer apparatuses having a high processing speed. It is alsopossible to offer apparatuses where IC of cards is not destroyed by thethermal head, because the thermal head does not bring into contact withthe contact for the semiconductor devices. In addition, when thedeformed card is used, it is possible to offer an apparatus which stablycarries the card, because it is possible to reduce the convex portion ofboth ends of the card, and the card does not rub against the upper sideof the carrying path. Besides, the stress is applied from the thermalhead to the card 1 in the direction which is the opposite to thecarrying direction, and is canceled by the carrying force applied toboth ends of the card. For this reason, it is possible to offerapparatuses which can stably carry cards.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a card according to a first embodiment of the cardof this invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a card according to a second embodiment of thisinvention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B show a position for bonding a rewrite tape;

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a configuration of the rewrite tape in a top viewand a section view, respectively;

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the combination of the card and a jig forbonding the rewrite tape;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the combination of the card and thejig for bonding the rewrite tape;

FIGS.7A,7B and 7C show the configuration of a first plate of the jig forbonding the rewrite tape of this invention;

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C show the configuration of the jig for bonding therewrite tape of this invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded sectional view of the jig for bonding the rewritetape of this invention.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show the configuration of another embodiment ofthe jig for bonding the rewrite tape of this invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the card reader-writer of this invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B is a plan view of the card reader-writer of thisinvention.

BEST FORMATION FOR EMBODYING INVENTION

The object of this invention is to solve the problem of the lowering ofthe printing quality of the edge in conventional technologies and theheavy economic burden associated with those technologies. In addition,the object of this invention is to offer cards to which displayfunctions can be added freely and those whose display can be replacedwith a new one when the frequency in use reaches its limit without anychange of specifications of these cards which have already been inwidespread use up to now.

To achieve the above objects, according to this invention, theband-shaped heat reversible recording medium (hereafter referred to as"Rewrite Tape") is bonded onto the card and is used as a display. Inaddition, in this invention, the rewrite tape is not bonded vaguely onan unspecified position of the card, but is bonded onto the optimum areaspecified as a bonding position, because the card has an area as aposition stipulated by standard bodies such as JIS (Japanese IndustrialStandard), ISO (International Standardization Organization), etc., orhas an area liable to cause particularly convex and concave portions.Therefore, these areas are unsuitable for the display.

Also, the object of this invention is to offer peripheral technologiesappendant to such cards.

The card of this invention and the rewrite tape supplied to the card areexplained below by using FIGS. 1 to 4.

First, the card of this invention is explained. The JIS X 6301 and theJIS X 6302 for magnetic cards of JIS, JIS X 6303 for IC cards, etc., canbe cited as specifications of cards which have widespread use up to now.Also, the JIS X 6301 and the JIS X 6302 are the same standards as ISO7810 and the ISO 7811. "JIS-1" and "JIS-2" can be cited as cards basedon these standards. The card of this invention conforms to JIS-2 as thefirst embodiment, and conforms to JIS-1 as the second embodiment.

FIG. 1A shows the configuration of the surface of the card in the firstembodiment, and FIG. 1B shows the configuration of the back of the card.Also, FIG. 2A shows the configuration of the surface of the card in thesecond embodiment, and FIG. 2B shows the configuration of the back ofthe card. FIGS. 3A and B show the position for bonding the rewrite tape.FIG. 3A shows a case when the rewrite tape is bonded onto the end of thecard, and FIG. 3B shows a case when the rewrite tape is bonded onto thecenter of the card.

In FIGS. 1A, B and 2A, B, denoted by 1 is a card, denoted by 2 is amagnetic stripe,denoted by 2' is a back area of magnetic stripe, denotedby 3 is a contact for semiconductor devices such as IC, memory, etc.(hereafter referred to as "IC Contact"), denoted by 3' is a back area ofIC contact, denoted by 4 is an embossed area, denoted by 4' is anembossed back area, denoted by 4a is a first embossed area, denoted by4b is a second embossed area, denoted by 4a' is a first embossed backarea, denoted by 4b' is a second embossed back area, denoted by 5 is asignature area, and denoted by 6 is a rewrite tape bonding area.

The first feature of the card of this invention lies in an IC contactbeing provided on different side or surface from that on which a rewritetape is bonded. This is because when the card 1 is inserted in the cardreader-writer mentioned later on, it is necessary to prevent IC contact3 of the card 1 and the thermal head of the card reader-writer frombringing into contact with each other. That is, the contact between themmay destroy the IC (not shown in any figure) of the card 1, because ICcontact 3 has high thermal conductivity.

Also, the second feature of the card of this invention lies in the areafor bonding the rewrite tape other than the back areas corresponding tothe IC contact and the embossment. This is in order to enhance theprinting quality. That is, even if the surface of the rewrite tape hasminute convex and concave portions, the rewrite tape will be pressed andflattened with the thermal head which is a rigid body, and its surfacewill be smoothed, because as mentioned later on, the rewrite tape iselastic. Accordingly, the printing quality will be enhanced as long asthe rewrite tape is bonded onto the flat area. In other words, theprinting quality will be lowered when such a tape is bonded onto aconvex or concave area. This is because when the support at the backside of the rewrite tape is convex or concave, a gap is caused betweenthe rewrite tape and the thermal head, and the contact between them isnot uniform. Then, it is necessary to bond the rewrite tape on the areaof the card 1 other than areas (definitely speaking, back areascorresponding to the IC contact and the embossment) which lower theprinting quality.

In addition, the third feature of the card of this invention is that thearea for bonding the rewrite tape is a position other than magneticstripe areas and back areas corresponding to the magnetic stripe areas.This is in order to smoothly read and write magnetic information in themagnetic stripes.

As mentioned above, the area for bonding the rewrite tape should bestipulated, and particularly the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 isoptimum. This position is in substantially in the center of the card 1,abuts back area 3' of IC contact 3 and extends along the longitudinaldirection of the card 1. As a result, the card 1 can be carried stably.Two reasons are explained below.

The first reason is as follows: two stresses can be canceled by thecarrying force. One stress is applied from the thermal head to the card1 in the carrying direction, and the other stress is done in thedirection opposite to the carrying direction. That is, when the card 1is carried, the rewrite tape and the thermal head will rub against eachother. At this time, stress will be applied from the thermal head to thecard 1 in the direction opposite to the carrying direction. When therewrite tape is bonded onto substantially the center of the card 1, thisstress will be canceled by the carrying force applied to both ends ofthe card 1, and the card 1 will be carried smoothly. As a result, thecard reader-writer can carry the card 1 stably. However, when therewrite tape is bonded onto the end of the card, this stress will not becanceled, and the card 1 will not be carried smoothly.

The second reason is that it is possible to prevent the end of the card1 from rubbing against the upper face of the carrying path.

The card 1 may be deformed in daily use. FIG. 3A shows an example of thecard 1 bent in the lateral direction. When a rewrite tape 7 is bondedonto the end of the bent the card 1, it is as shown in FIG. 3A. In thiscase, this end will be pressed to the lower face of the carrying path bymeans of the carrying roller and the thermal head, and another end willbe floated and will rub against the upper face of the carrying path.Then, stress is applied to another end of the card 1 in the directionopposite to the carrying direction. Accordingly, the card 1 will not becarried smoothly. On the other hand, when rewrite tape 7 is bonded ontosubstantially the center of the bent the card 1, it is as shown in FIG.3B. In this case, substantially the center of the card 1 will be pressedby the thermal head to the lower face of the carrying path. As a result,the degree of the floating of both ends of the card 1 is lower than thatof the card 1 shown in FIG. 3A, and the both ends do not rub against theupper face of the carrying path. Accordingly, the card 1 can be carriedsmoothly.

Next is the explanation of the rewrite tape 7 used in this invention.FIGS. 4A and 4B shows the configuration of the rewrite tape.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, denoted by 7 is a rewrite tape, denoted by 8 is arewrite layer, and denoted by 9 is a base material. Denoted by 10 is abonding layer, denoted by 11 is a mounting paper. The rewrite tape 7 isbased on the base material 9, and has rewrite layer 8 and the bondinglayer 10 on the respective upper and lower layers of the base material9. When the rewrite tape 7 is not used, the bonding layer 10 will besealed with the mounting paper 11, and when the rewrite tape 7 is used,it will be torn from the mounting paper 11. Then, the rewrite tape 7will be applied to the specified position of the card 1, will be bondedtemporarily on the card 1, and will be pressed and bonded firmly thereonas it is. The rewrite tape 7 can play a role as a damper for the thermalhead, because it is a flexible tape having high elasticity. When anadherent material is used in the bonding layer 10, the rewrite tape 7can be bonded onto the card or torn therefrom repeatedly.

The rewrite tape 7 used in this invention is bonded onto the flat faceof the card so that it is convex thereon. The following merits can begiven to this invention by doing so. First, it is possible to better thecontact between the rewrite tape 7 and the thermal head, because therewrite tape 7 is convex on the bonding face of the card. Particularly,even when the card is deformed, if the rewrite tape 7 is convex only at,a specified height, it will be possible to better the above contact.Second, the rewrite tape 7 can be torn from the card and can be replacedreadily with a new one, because it is only bonded onto the flat face ofthe card. Third, it is possible to prevent the contact between the cardand the thermal head from being unbalanced by the warping, torsion,etc., of the card, because the rewrite tape 7 itself possesses a dampingfunction. The rewrite tape 7 and the thermal head are brought intocontact with each other in an appropriate state. As a result, when theinformation is written or erased in the card, it will be possible tobetter the printing quality without any generation of heat gradient.

Also, it is desirable to decide the dimension of the rewrite tape 7bonded onto the card 1 so that the tape 7 can function sufficiently as adisplay in consideration of the size and the number of printedcharacters, the restriction of areas for bonding the above mentionedrewrite tape 7, etc. For example, the dimension (12×56 mm) shown in FIG.4 was calculated in consideration of the above matters under thecondition that the rewrite tape 7 is bonded onto the card (whichconforms to JIS-1 or ISO) of the second embodiment. If the rewrite tape7 is prepared on the basis of the above dimension, it will be able tofunction sufficiently as a display for the card of the secondembodiment.

It is also desirable to decide the thickness of the rewrite tape 7 sothat the rewrite tape 7 and the thermal head can be brought completelyinto contact with each other and the rewrite tape 7 can be torn readilyfrom the card 1. In addition, as previously mentioned, even when thecard is deformed, its surface is convex only at the specified height, itwill be possible to better the contact between the rewrite tape 7 andthe thermal head, so it is desirable to consider this matter. Forexample, a thickness of 50 to 100 μm or so will satisfy theseconditions.

It is also permissible to make a groove in the face of the card 1 forbonding the rewrite tape 7 and to engage the rewrite tape 7 with thegroove so that the tape 7 is protruding from the face. In this case, itis difficult to tear the rewrite tape 7 from the card 1, because thebonding layer 10 of the tape 7 is embedded in the card, but it ispossible to obtain the printing quality equivalent to that in the caseof the flat face.

Next, a jig for bonding the rewrite tape 7 on the card, which is anembodiment of this invention, is explained now with reference to FIGS. 5to 9. This jig is an embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view which shows the combination of the card and thejig for bonding the rewrite tape 7. FIG. 6 is a perspective view whichshows the combination of the card and the jig for bonding the rewritetape 7. FIGS. 7A, B and C show the configuration of the second plate ofthe jig for bonding the rewrite tape 7. FIGS. 8A, B and C show theconfiguration of the jig for bonding the rewrite tape 7. FIG. 9 is anexpanded sectional view along 9--9 of the jig for bonding the rewritetape 7 as shown in FIG. 8A.

FIG. 7A is a plan view of the second plate 15 of the bonding jigaccording to the invention. FIG. 7B is a side view taken from directionB. FIG. 7C is another side view taken from direction C as shown in FIG.7A. of the jig for bonding the rewrite tape 7 as shown in FIG. 8A.

In FIGS. 5 to 9, denoted by 12 is a jig 12 for bonding the rewrite tape7, denoted by 13 is a first plate. Denoted by 14 is a notch. Denoted by15 is a second plate. Denoted by 16 is a first groove, denoted by 6a isa first stopper and denoted by 16b is a second stopper. Denoted by 17 isa second groove. Denoted by 18 is a roller. The jig 12 for bonding therewrite tape 7 of this invention consists of two joined plates and isused by putting the card 1 between the plates. Jig 12 and is almost thesame as the card 1 in size.

FIG. 8A is a plan view of bonding jig 12. FIGS. 8B and C are respectiveside views taken from directions B and C as shown in FIG. 8A. The notch14 is provided at a specified position of the upper plate of the abovetwo joined plates. The notch 14 is a means of stipulating the positionfor bonding the rewrite tape 7 on the card.

The lower plate 15 of the above joined plates are formed so that itstransverse cross section is trapezoidal, and is joined with the upperplate 13 at a part of the slant of the trapezoid. This structure enablesthe jig 12 to apply intensive pressure to the card 1 put between theplates 13 and 15. That is, when the card 1 is put between the plates 13and 15, the plate 13 will warp backward. This warping force willgenerate the righting moment from the plate 13. As a result, the plate13 will have spring properties and will apply intensive pressure to thecard 1 put between the plates 13 and 15.

Also, the groove 16 engaged with the card 1 is made at the trapezoidalslant of the plate 15. The end face (hereafter referred to as "Stopper16a") of the groove 16 in the longitudinal direction and that (hereafterreferred to as "Stopper 16b") of the groove 16 in the lateral directionare stoppers which control the movement of the card 1. These stoppers16a and 16b are provided on a specified position in consideration of therelative relationship with the notch 14 of the plate 13. The relativerelationship means that when the card 1 is engaged with the groove 1.6along the stoppers 16a and 16b, the notch 14 will accord with theperiphery of the area 6 for bonding the rewrite tape 7 of the card 1.

In addition, the second groove 17 having a specified length is made inthe groove 16 of the plate 15, and the roller 18 having the specifiedlength is engaged in the groove 17. As shown in FIG. 9, the roller 18 isset so that it does not slip from the groove by the pressure from theplates 13 and 15. This roller is a pressing means which appliesintensive pressure to the rewrite tape 7 bonded temporarily on the card1 and which firmly and flatly bonds the rewrite tape 7 thereon.

The method of using the jig 12 for bonding the rewrite tape 7 isexplained now. The jig 12 for bonding the rewrite tape 7 of thisinvention is designed to temporarily set the rewrite tape 7 at thespecified position of the card 1. First, the card 1 is inserted in thegroove 16 of the jig 12 for bonding the rewrite tape 7 from thedirection of an arrow "A". At this time, the card 1 conforming to JIS orISO is inserted from the IC contact 3 in a state where the back face ofthis contact is upward. Next, the card 1 is transferred along thestopper 16a of the groove 16. When the card 1 reaches the position ofthe stopper 16b, it will be stopped with the stopper 16b. The rewritetape 7 is applied to the card 1 along the notch 14 in the above state.Therefore, the rewrite tape 7 is bonded temporarily on the specifiedposition of the card 1.

The rewrite tape 7 is bonded firmly on the card by applying intensivepressure to the rewrite tape 7. The jig 12 for bonding the rewrite tape7 of this invention is designed so that the rewrite tape 7 can be bondedfirmly and flat on the card by applying intensive pressure to therewrite tape 7. First, the card 1 is pulled out of the jig 12 forbonding the rewrite tape 7, is turned over, and is inserted in thegroove 16 of the jig from the direction of an arrow "A". At this time,the card 1 is inserted therein in a state where the surface of the ICcontact 3 is upward from the opposite direction of this IC contact.Next, the card 1 is transferred along the stopper 16a of the groove 16.At this time, intensive pressure is applied to the rewrite tape 7 by wayof the roller 18 from the plates 13 and 15. Accordingly, the rewritetape 7 is bonded firmly and flatly on the card 1. Also, the reason whythe roller is used as a pressing means is that it is possible to lowerthe frictional resistance between the pressing means and the card. Theabove structure enables the jig to smoothly insert the card in thegroove.

The following functions can be realized with the above simple structure,namely, the jig can temporarily bond the rewrite tape 7 on the specifiedposition of the card, and the jig can apply intensive pressure to therewrite tape 7 and can bond the tape 7 firmly and flat on the surface ofthe card. Also, the jig can be supplied at a low cost, because it has asmall number of parts and can be assembled simply. In addition, it ishandy and portable, because it is almost the same as the card 1 in size.

Also, it is possible to variously change the jig.

For example, it is permissible to round off the corner of the end of thenotch 14 in the lateral direction, because if the corner is not roundedoff, when the card 1 is transferred along the stopper 16a, the end willbring into contact with the card. At this time, when the resistancebetween this corner and the card 1 is large, it will be difficult totransfer the card to the inner part. Then, for example, as shown in FIG.5, when the corner of the end is rounded off in the lateral direction ofthe notch 14, it will be possible to lower the resistance between thecorner and the card 1. This system enables the jig 12 for bonding therewrite tape 7 to smoothly transfer the card 1 to the inner part.

Also, the first and the second plates can be formed integrally. Inaddition, the second plate and the pressing means can be formedintegrally. Besides, the identical effect can be obtained bytrapezoidally forming not the second plate but the groove. The jigstructured on the basis of the above mentioned is explained below.

FIGS. 10A, B and C show the structure of another embodiment of the jigfor bonding the rewrite tape 7. FIG. 10A is a plan view of an openbonding jig 12. FIGS. 10B and C are respective side views taken fromdirections B and C as shown in FIG. 10A.

In FIGS. 10A, B and C, denoted by 19 is a jig for bonding the rewritetape 7. Denoted by 20 is a first plate. A notch is denoted by notch 21.22 denotes a second plate. 23 denotes a groove. Denoted by 23a is afirst stopper, and 23b denotes a second stopper. Denoted by 24 is aprotrusion. 25a, 25b, and 25c denotes claws.

The jig 19 for bonding the rewrite tape 7 is formed integrally togetherwith the plates 20 and 22 made of synthetic resin. The jig 19 is foldedup at the boundary between the plates 20 and 22, and fixed as a completebody. There are various kinds of methods of fixing the plates 20 and 22.For example, FIGS. 10A, B and C show a method of using the claws 25a,25b, and 25c. These claws 25a, 25b, and 25c are members formedintegrally together with the plate 22, and are folded up so that theyare applied to the outside of the plate 22 at the boundary between theplates 20 and 22. Accordingly, the claws fix the plates. Another methodsof fixing these plates are as follows, namely, for example, a part ofthe inside of the plate 22 are heated, melted, and folded up at theboundary between the plates 20 and 22, an adhesive is applied to theinside of the plate 20 or the plate 22, and convex and concave portionsare made on the inside of the plates 20 and 22 and are engaged with eachother. The jig 19 structured as above can be assembled simply, and thenumber of parts is small.

In FIG. 10C, the jig 19 has the protrusion 24 as a pressing means in thegroove 23. The protrusion is formed integrally together with the secondplate 22. The jig 19 having such a structure requires a small number ofparts.

FIG. 10C shows that the groove 23 of the jig 19 slopes so that stopper23a is deep. When the card 1 is inserted in the groove 23, the plate 20will be warped backward, and the lighting moment will be generated fromthe plate. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain the same effect as thatin the case of a trapezoid, even if the second plate is not formedtrapezoidally. The jig structured as above is flat-shaped and handy.Accordingly, it is handier and more portable than the jig 12 (the secondplate is trapezoidal-shaped) for bonding the rewrite tape 7 of the firstembodiment.

Next, the card reader-writer of this invention is explained now withreference to FIGS. 11 and 12A and B.

FIGS. 11 and 12A and B are views (side and plan views) which show theconfiguration of the card reader-writer of this invention. FIG. 12Ashows a plan view of card reader-writer 26 and FIG. 12B shows card 1 asit is inserted into card insertion opening 27.

In FIGS. 11 and 12A, denoted by 26 is a card reader-writer.

This card reader-writer 26 of this invention is designed inconsideration of how can the speed for processing the card 1 be enhancedand how can the card 1 be carried stably without any destruction of ICof the card. The features lie in the following items, namely, the ICcontact connecting terminal and the thermal head are set on the card inthis order from the card inserting direction, and the IC contactconnecting terminal and the thermal head are set up and down withrespect to a card carrying face and arranged on the identical extensionalong the card carrying direction.

In FIGS. 11 and 12A, denoted by 27 is a card insertion opening, 28denotes an IC contact detecting sensor which detects whether the card 1is an IC card or not. 29a denotes a magnetic stripe detecting sensorwhich detects whether the card 1 conforms to JIS-2 or not. Denoted by29b is a magnetic stripe detecting sensor which detects whether the card1 conforms to JIS-1 or not. 30 to 34 denote carrying rollers. 35 denotesan IC contact connecting terminal. 36a and 36b denote magnetic heads.Denoted by 37 is a thermal head. 38 denotes a platen roller which allowsthe card 1 to closely contact the thermal head 37.

A carrying path is formed in the card reader-writer 26 to carry the card1 inserted from the insertion opening 27. The IC contact detectingsensor 28, the magnetic stripe detecting sensors 29a and 29b, the ICcontact connecting terminal 35, the magnetic heads 36a and 36b, and thethermal head 37 are set in order from the insertion opening 27 alongthis carrying path. The card reader-writer 26 carries the card 1 to themby way of the carrying rollers 30 to 34.

The operation of the card reader-writer 26 is explained now. First, whenthe card 1 is inserted from the insertion opening 27, the magneticstripe detecting sensors 29a and 29b will detect which standard does thecard 1 conform to, and the card reader-writer 26 will read the magneticinformation recorded in the magnetic stripe 2 of the card. Next, thecard reader-writer 26 will connect the IC contact connecting terminal 35to the IC contact 3 of the card 1, will read the electronic informationrecorded in the IC of the card 1, and will write new electronicinformation. After that, the card reader-writer 26 will erase theinformation displayed on the rewrite tape 7 of the card 1 through thethermal head 37, and will print the information which should be newlydisplayed. Subsequently, the card reader-writer 26 will again connectthe IC contact connecting terminal 35 to the IC contact 3 of the card 1,and will check to see whether or not the information printed on therewrite tape 7 agrees with the electronic information written in IC ofthe card 1. When the two informations are in agreement with each other,the card reader-writer 26 will discharge the card 1 from the insertionopening 27, but if not so, the card reader-writer 26 will repeat theabove operation. That is, when a result of checking the card is good,the card reader-writer 26 will discharge the card from the insertionopening, but when the result is bad, the card reader-writer 26 willprint an abnormality of the card on the rewrite tape 7 and willdischarge the card therefrom.

The card reader-writer 26 of this invention is characterized in that theIC contact connecting terminal 35 and the thermal head 37 are set inthis order from the card inserting direction. The card reader-writer 26structured as above can read the electronic information recorded in ICof the card 1 and can write new electronic information during areciprocation of the card, can erase the information displayed on therewrite tape 7 and can print the information which should be displayednewly thereon, and can check to see whether or not the informationprinted on the rewrite tape 7 accords with the electronic informationwritten in IC of the card. As a result, the card reader-writer 26 canenhance the processing speed. Also, the card reader-writer 26 of thisinvention is characterized by that it is set so that the IC contactconnecting terminal 35 and the thermal head 37 are arranged to beseparated from each other with respect to the carrying face. The cardreader-writer 26 is designed so that the thermal head and the IC contactof the card 1 do not bring into contact with each other. As a result, itis possible to prevent the IC of the card a from being heated anddestroyed by the thermal head 37. In addition, the card reader-writer ofthis invention is characterized by that the IC contact connectingterminal and the thermal head are set on the identical extension of thecarrying direction. The card reader-writer 26 is designed so that it issuitable for the area 6 for bonding the rewrite tape 7 of the card 1shown in FIG. 3B mentioned previously. Therefore, even if the card 1 isdeformed as shown in FIGS. 3A and B, it is possible to reduce thefloating of both ends of the card. As a result, it is possible toprevent the both ends from rubbing against the carrying path. Also, whenthe rewrite tape 7 and the thermal head 37 rub against each other,stress will be generated in the direction opposite to the carryingdirection. This stress will be canceled by the carrying force applied toboth ends of the card 1, because the stress is applied to substantiallythe center of the card 1. As a result, the card reader-writer 26 canstably carry the card.

This invention explained above has the following effects.

The position other than the following areas is specified in the firstinvention, namely, an area optimum for the position for bonding therewrite tape 7 which is a display, i.e., back area corresponding to theIC contact at the back of the face on which the IC contact is provided,the area for the magnetic stripe or back area corresponding to the area,and the back area corresponding to the embossment.

In the first invention, it is possible to better the contact between therewrite tape 7 and the thermal head, and particularly, even if the cardis deformed, when a convex portion is formed only at a specified heighton the deformed card, it will be possible to better the above contact.Also, a flat face can be selected by specifying a position for bondingthe rewrite tape 7. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the gap frombeing generated between the rewrite tape 7 and the thermal head, and toenhance the printing quality. Also, the IC of the card is not destroyed,and there is no trouble in reading and writing the information in themagnetic stripe. In addition, display functions can be added freely incards without any change of the specification of these cards which arepresently in widespread use.

The second invention is characterized in that the position for bondingthe rewrite tape 7 in the card of the first invention is an identicalextension of the back area corresponding to the IC contact along thelongitudinal direction of the card.

In the second invention, when the position for bonding the rewrite tapeis further specified, even if the card is deformed, both ends of thecard will not rub against the carrying path, because the degree of thefloating at both ends is low. Also, even if the rewrite tape and thethermal head bonded onto the card rub against each other and a stress isapplied to the card in the direction opposite to the carrying direction,this stress will be applied to substantially the center of the card.Even in this case, the card will be carried smoothly, because thisstress will be canceled by the carrying force applied to both ends ofthe card. Accordingly, the card reader-writer can stably carry the card,and the rewrite tape is appropriate as a display.

The third invention is characterized by the rewrite tape in the card ofthe first invention having a heat reversible recording layer and anadherent bonding layer on the respective upper and lower layers of thebase material and is bonded onto the flat bonding face of the card sothat the rewrite tape is convex thereon.

In the third invention, it is possible to better the contact between therewrite tape and the thermal head by bonding the rewrite tape on thecard so that this tape is convex on the flat bonding face of this card.Particularly, even if the card is deformed, when a convex portion isformed only at the specified height on the card, it will be possible tobetter the contact between the rewrite tape and the thermal head. Also,when information is erased from the display or is printed thereon, itwill be possible to prevent heat from escaping from the edge, and toprevent the heat gradient from being generated from the edge. Therewrite tape can be torn readily from the card, because its bondinglayer is adherent and it is protrusive from the flat bonding face of thecard. When the number of uses of a rewrite tape reaches its limit, therewrite tape can be replaced readily with a new one. Therefore, it isunnecessary to replace the card itself with a new one, and the economicburden can be lightened.

The fourth invention is characterized in that the rewrite tape iselastic in the card of the first invention.

In the fourth invention, it is possible to prevent the card and thethermal head from unevenly being brought into contact with each otherdue to the warp, torsion, etc., of the card, and is possible for therewrite tape and the thermal head to be brought into contact with eachother in an appropriate state, because the rewrite tape itself functionsas a damper. Therefore, when information is erased from the rewrite tapeor is written thereon, it will be possible to enhance the printingquality without any generation of heat gradient.

The fifth invention is a jig for bonding rewrite tapes, and the jig hasa first plate having a notch, and a second plate having a pressing meansfor crimping rewrite tapes. This invention is characterized in that thejig is fixed in a state where the first and second plates are bonded toeach other so that the pressing means of the second plate is inside.

In the fifth invention, it is possible to realize the followingfunctions, because the jig has a simple structure, namely, the rewritetape can be bonded temporarily on the specified position of the card,and the rewrite tape can be bonded firmly and flatly on the surface ofthe card by applying intensive pressure to the rewrite tape. Also, thejig has a small number of parts, can be assembled simply, and can besupplied at a low cost. In addition, the jig is handy and portable,because it is almost the same as the card in size.

The sixth invention is a jig for bonding rewrite tapes, and the jig hasthe first plate having a notch, and the second plate having a pressingmeans for crimping rewrite tapes. The first and second plates are formedintegrally in the jig. This invention is characterized in that the jigis fixed in a state where the first and second plates are folded so thatthe pressing means of the second plate is inside.

In the sixth invention, the number of parts for the jig is smaller thanthat of the fifth invention, and this jig can be manufactured simply andcan be supplied at a low cost, because the two plates are formedintegrally in the jig.

The seventh invention is characterized by pressing means being a rollerin the jig for bonding rewrite tapes of the fifth or the sixthinvention.

In the seventh invention, it is possible to lower the frictionalresistance between the pressing means and the card, to prevent the cardfrom being damaged, and to smoothly insert the card.

The eighth invention is characterized in that the pressing means is aprotrusion formed integrally with the second plate in the jig forbonding rewrite tapes in the fifth or the sixth invention.

In the eighth invention, the number of parts is small, and the jig canbe manufactured simply and can be supplied at a low cost.

The ninth invention is characterized in that a card is put between thefirst and the second plates to which intensive pressure is applied inthe jig for bonding rewrite tapes of the fifth or the sixth invention.

In the ninth invention, the rewrite tape can be bonded firmly and flaton the surface of the card by applying intensive pressure to this tape.

The tenth invention is a card reader-writer having an IC contactconnecting terminal and a thermal head which writes or erases theinformation in the rewrite tape. This invention is characterized in thatthe aforementioned terminal and thermal head are set in this order fromthe card inserting direction, and are arranged up and down with respectto the card carrying face and on the identical extension along the cardcarrying direction.

In the tenth invention, first the card reader-writer can read theelectronic information recorded in IC of the card and can write newelectronic information during a reciprocation of the card, can erase theinformation displayed in the rewrite tape and can print the informationwhich should be displayed newly, and can check to see whether or not theinformation printed in the rewrite tape accords with the electronicinformation written in the IC of the card. As a result, the cardreader-writer can enhance the processing speed. Second, the cardreader-writer is designed so that the thermal head and the IC contact ofthe card do not bring into with each other. As a result, it is possibleto prevent the IC of the card from being heated and damaged by thethermal head. Third, the card reader-writer can lower the degree of thefloating on both ends of the card, even if the card is deformed. As aresult, it is possible to prevent the both ends from rubbing against thecarrying path. Also, when the rewrite tape and the thermal head bringinto contact with each other, a stress will be generated in thedirection opposite to the carrying direction, will be applied tosubstantially the center of the card, and will be canceled by thecarrying force applied to the both ends of the card. Accordingly, thecard reader-writer can stably carry the card.

We claim:
 1. A card having a band-shaped heat reversible recordingmedium bonded onto a specified position thereof, said card comprising:afront surface, an IC contact for semiconductors, and an embossed areaprovided on said front surface; a back surface, the heat reversiblerecording medium bonded on said back surface and including a heatreversible recording layer on an upper layer of a base material and abonding layer on a lower layer of the base material, said heatreversible recording medium bonded onto a flat bonding face of the cardso that the heat reversible recording medium is convex on the bondingface of the card; and a magnetic stripe located on one of the frontsurface and back surface of the card, wherein the bonding position ofthe heat reversible recording medium avoids areas on the back surface ofthe card which correspond to areas on the front surface where the ICcontact and embossed area are provided and avoids one of the magneticstripe and an area on the back surface corresponding to the location ofthe magnetic stripe on the front surface.
 2. A card according to claim1, wherein the bonding position abuts the back area corresponding to thefront area where the IC contact is provided, said bonding positionextending along a longitudinal direction of the card.